Musashi Swords

Appearing in 2008, Musashi Swords quickly came to revolutionize and dominate the sub US$100 Japanese sword market.

Manufactured in:
Machine and Hand Forged in China

Steels Used:
1045 and 1060 Carbon Steels

Price Range:
US$40 – $379

Official Website:
None

Despite the fact that they are made at several different forges,
Musashi swords are generally quite consistently good quality –
especially considering the extremely low price tags. As such they
produce a range of extremely affordable light duty cutters/display
swords all the way up to some real no frills workhorses – all branded
with a distinctive double ‘C’ Ring Tsuba image either on the blade or on
the habaki (blade collar).

The price ranges from US$40 to $379.99 – though the vast majority are below the $100 mark.

It should also be noted that as the manufacturer/re-brander only uses
SKUs – the names of each individual sword may well vary from retailer
to retailer – despite the fact that the product is the same.

MAIN PRODUCT LINES

1045 MONOSTEEL KATANA

Made from 1045 carbon steel and monotempered with reasonably good
quality fit and finish, Musashi’s entry level Lowest Price Katana range
are hands down the cheapest “bare bones” functional Japanese styled
swords currently on the market, typically priced at between $40 to $60
depending on the model.

While hardly appropriate for serious collectors, it is generally
accepted that at this low end price point, they are worth every dollar
and more.

DIFFERENTIALLY HARDENED KATANA

Musashi revolutionized what was possible with their Differentially Hardened (sometimes called “Bamboo Warrior”) series swords.

Using a propriety, time and money saving claying technique, these
swords have a REAL hamon temper line at a price point where everyone
else can only afford wire brushed psuedo hamon. Furthermore, fittings
tend to be made of IRON where other similar priced swords use cheap zinc
alloy – and are generally embraced by the sword community and great
value for money lightweight, entry level cutters.

KNOWN ISSUES

Swords at this low price point are rarely issue free, and Musashi
swords are no exception – though reports from the sword community
suggest they are surprisingly consistent.

This consistency however suggests that they are NOT hand made as
advertised, but machine stamped – and it would appear that the biggest
issue with these swords is misleading or mistaken marketing practices.

For example, the Differentially Hardened Katana swords are claimed to
be made from 1060 carbon steel, however independent testing and basic
wholesale pricing structures reveal that it is almost certainly 1045
carbon steel, a much softer – and hence easier to work with – steel.

WHERE TO BUY MUSASHI SWORDS

As they are low priced, they tend to sell out fast – though HERE at Trueswords.com there
is almost always a good selection at exceptional prices. This sword
seller also has a sterling reputation for customer service – the editor
notes a Musashi sword purchased by a customer who discovered some
serious flaws in his purchase.

Not only did Trueswords arrange a
replacement, but they also shipped it out BEFORE the defective sword was
returned along with a UPS shipping docket so that the customer could
return the sword without having to be out of pocket even for a minute. Which is well above and beyond the call of duty…